By Karina Riftin
You have a paper due on Friday, two exams this week to study for, a project worth 30% of your grade that you need to work on, and your friends are asking you to go out. Let’s face it, this summarizes the crazy, chaotic time of being a college student all too well. One week you may feel like you’re on top of the world, and the next you seem to be drowning in a never-ending pool of deadlines. However, even when life gets busy, it’s crucial to pay attention to your well-being to stay healthy and prevent burnout. Here are seven of my best tips for staying well during midterm season or any stressful phase of life.
No. 1: Use a Planner
As obvious as this may sound, you can’t juggle all the tasks on your plate when they’re just floating in your brain. Writing down deadlines, exam dates, and meeting times in a planner is a super helpful tool to visually organize your week. Make sure to allocate enough time for projects and assignments, and schedule study sessions each day leading up to your exams. Using different colored pens for different classes can also help you prioritize and stay organized. Remember to take it day by day—don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get everything done. As long as you’re putting in the effort and allowing some “buffer time” before deadlines, everything will work out!
No. 2: Stay Active
Don’t neglect your physical activity! When schoolwork starts piling up, it may seem counterintuitive to step away from your desk. However, countless studies show that even a quick cardio session, short workout, or some stretching can significantly boost your mood and energy levels. Physical activity also helps reduce your stress and improve focus, making it easier to get back to work afterward. So when you feel antsy or foggy from studying for too long, allow your body to move. Take advantage of the gyms on campus or the spaces inside your apartments, and encourage your friends to come with you! This small break from your studies health will pay off both in the short and long term for your overall health and wellbeing.
No. 3: Eat Nutritious and Balanced Meals
Even if you’re in a pinch for time, try to incorporate as much healthy food into your diet as possible. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains will fuel your mind and body for effective studying. Consider bulk-prepping proteins like salmon or chicken breast, grains like oats, brown rice, or quinoa, and snacks like Greek yogurt with fruits, turkey with cheese on whole-grain crackers, or carrots with hummus at the beginning of each week for easy access. Making these ahead of time ensures you won’t reach for something unhealthy when the stress hits. If you don’t have time to cook a full meal, explore healthy meal options at the grocery store or some of the places downtown. Don’t forget to drink water throughout the day, and remember, fueling your body right is just as important as doing well in school.
No. 4: Get Enough Sleep
The best thing you can do for your mind and body is to prioritize sleep. You might feel like you have to stay up all night studying, but this actually does more harm than good. Quality sleep is essential for your overall well-being and allows your body to heal and recover from the stress of each day. Try to get at least 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night, and create a nighttime routine that calms you down before bed. Consider putting your phone down, taking some time to breathe and relax, and making your room dark and cool. This will create a relaxing environment for you to rest and recuperate for the next day. Remember, a well-rested mind is more alert, focused, and ready to embrace the challenges of midterm season.
No. 5: Practice Self-Compassion
Another important tip to keep in mind is to never beat yourself up over anything! School is important, but engaging in negative self-talk if you didn’t do as well as you hoped on an exam will only demotivate you. Understand that there are always opportunities to bounce back and that you are so much more than a number on your Canvas dashboard. College is all about learning about yourself and figuring out what works for you. If one study method doesn’t work, don’t hesitate to try something different in the future. Breathe, remind yourself that everything is going to be okay, and start fresh on your next responsibility. You got this!
No. 6: Connect with Friends
You deserve a social life too! Maintaining your friendships during busy times is essential for your mental health. Reach out to your friends for support because they are most likely going through the same things as you. Whether it’s to rant about school or to take a much-needed study break together, try to implement some time to see the people who care most about you. Weaving social time into your study time can help keep you grounded and remind you that you’re not alone.
No. 7: Reward Yourself
Lastly, a very effective way to boost your motivation is to build in rewards for completing your tasks. After you finish a specific goal, like studying for a set amount of time or submitting an assignment, give yourself something to look forward to. This could be treating yourself to your favorite snack, watching an episode of your favorite show, or making plans with your friends. By tying these rewards to your accomplishments, you will stay happy and motivated to work hard in the future. Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where you study for a certain period of time and follow it with a break, can be a great time to fit in these rewards. Celebrating your efforts, no matter how small will keep you in a positive mindset in the future.
Midterm season can get pretty overwhelming, but by keeping your wellness in mind, you can navigate this chaos with a clearer mindset. Remember that college is just a few short years of your life, and while it can get stressful, you will look back in the future and celebrate all of the amazing experiences that came along with it and all of the hard work. “Lock in” and study hard, but please take care of yourselves too!
Happy Valley Comm 